THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development has pledged to spearhead a nationwide approach to end violence against children.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies Elaine Fallarcuna assured that the Philippines is committed to establishing a more robust child protection system, with a focus on improving government coordination structures.

Fallarcuna noted that the Philippine government is committed to institutionalizing multidisciplinary teams in all cities, municipalities, and public hospitals by 2030.

“Each multidisciplinary team shall be composed of doctors, police officers, social workers, lawyers, and other professionals and service providers, who shall respond to and manage all cases of violence against children with a trauma-informed approach,” Fallarcuna said.

Fallarcuna also emphasized the government’s goal to increase the number of foster parents, aiming for at least 10 per child-placing agency in municipalities, cities, and provinces.

By 2030, the government aims to streamline domestic adoption processes to within nine months from the time of filing.

Additionally, the government is working to reinforce children’s rights to meaningful participation by ensuring the inclusion of children, particularly survivors, in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies affecting them at both national and local levels.

On the allocation of human, financial, and infrastructure resources, Fallarcuna announced that the government will allocate at least three percent of the general fund to child protection programs, with a line item monitored across sectors and an annual budget increase from 2024 to 2030.

“This will ensure that resources for child-protection programs are properly identified, attributed, and not diverted,” she said.

The government will also develop a comprehensive child protection system with an emphasis on learning institutions. This includes the development of child protection specialists, as well as the introduction of relevant national legislation, executive orders, and local regulations.

Recognizing the financial stress on parents, Fallarcuna stated that the government will provide economic support and parenting education programs to help caregivers use non-violent discipline methods.

To safeguard children in the digital space, the government is preparing a strategic plan to combat Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children, and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials, to be rolled out in 2025.